Northeastern Offers Free Tax Assistance

TAHLEQUAH Northeastern State University's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) continues now and through April 14. A FREE public service activity of NSU accounting students, the program is available only to those families with household income of less than $35,000. This includes students, staff, and the Cherokee County community.

VITA volunteers are available Mondays through Wednesdays in the NSU Practical Arts Building, room 121 (corner of Grand & Garrison Avenue) from 3 to 6 p.m. Individuals should bring W-2s, 1099s, and information concerning other income, as well as information for deductions or credits. Participants should also bring Social Security Numbers for all members of the household and a copy of last year's tax return. VITA is sponsored by the IRS and overseen locally by Dr. John Yeutter of the NSU Department of Accounting.

Last year, VITA volunteers logged more than 300 hours assisting 445 taxpayers and helping low-income households recover more than $348,000 of refunds through filing of their taxes. Of this, more than $162,000 was due to earned-income credit. Estimated value for the services was in excess of $50,000. NSU students have been providing this service to the community for more than 10 years.

For more information on VITA, contact Dr. Yeutter at 918-456-5511, ext. 2968.

2/9/04

Published: 2004-02-09 00:00:00